Boston Celtics fans have heard a lot about the 19-year-old's-progress, his improved physique and new attitude, but the first two games have reminded the Celtics' brass that he's still a raw player who is learning a lesson each time he steps on to the court. James Young, the 17th pick in the 2014 draft, missed nine out of the 11 shots he attempted in Tuesday's 76-62 loss to the Philidelphia 76ers at the Utah Summer League.
In two Summer League games, Young has shot 6-for-22 from the field (27.2 percent) and a woeful 16.7 percent (2-for-12) from three-point range.
Young came into the league known as a lights out shooter from the perimiter. However, that hasn't been the case thus far in the Summer League. Young believes the mental part of his game is affecting his ability to make shots.
“I was just thinking too much, every shot I was taking,” Young told reporters after Tuesday’s loss to the Sixers. “I have to be more calm and not think so much.”
This is not the performance Celtic fans were hoping for, but it's too early to write Young off. After dominating the D-League last season for the Maine Red Claws, many expected a significant leap in Young's progression, especially considering he reportedly added on 20 pounds of muscle and added three inches to his verticle over the course of the Summer. Young was eager to showcase the world his new and improved game but so far that hasn't been the case.
With Marcus Smart resting against the 76ers, Celtic fans turned their eyes on Young to see if he could carry the team. He was the only player that was on the Celtics roster last season and all the attention was on him to showcase his skills.
Young believed he didn't do a good job of handling the pressure and must be better prepared next time.
“I need to do a good job of being composed and staying calm and just playing my game,” said Young, who struggled again for the second game in a row.
The Celtics are remaining confident that he can find the bottom of the net soon, and Celtics coach Brad Stevens remains optimisic Young can turn it around.
“I always thought he could make the next one and get on a roll,” Stevens said. “The biggest thing is, to be a great shooter you have to have -- I don’t know if it’s the right term -- but I always call it shot amnesia; you have to forget the last one. Whatever the case may be, you have to move on to what’s next.”
Young appeared frustrated at times throughout the game against the 76ers, but the Celtics don't want him to dwell on his disappointing start to these exhibition games.
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge spoke to Young after the game and offered a few words of encourgament.
"He said the shots were going to fall and to just keep a high defensive energy," Young said. "And basically he said, ‘Keep shooting.''